Quantitative Carcass Characteristics of Water Buffaloes: A Great Option for Meat Producers

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential differences among carcass characteristics of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of 3 genetic groups (Jafarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah), and to demonstrate the potential of the species for meat production. Seventy-five animals (n = 25 animals of each genetic group) were finished on feedlot and slaughtered with 587 ± 58 d of age. Diet was offered as total mixed ration (30:70, corn silage:concentrate). After slaughter, total blood and gastrointestinal tract (with and without contents) were weighted to determine the empty body weight (EBW). The half-carcasses were weighted to obtain values HCW and hot carcass yield (HCY). Fat in the abnominal cavity (KPH) was collected and weighted, and the results expressed as kilograms (KPH) and as percentange of HCW (KPH%). The carcasses were chilled at 0°C for 24-hours. After chilling, measure of the rib fat thickness (RFT; Longissimus muscle; 12th-13th ribs) was recorded. The carcass length was collected to calculate the carcass index (CI = weight/length; kg.cm^-1). The hindquarter proportion (HQP, %) and the carcass edible portion (CEP, %) were calculated and expressed as percentage of carcass weight. Data were analyzed with MIXED procedure (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) and Satterthwaite approximation to determine the denominator degrees of freedom for the tests of fixed effects. The animal was considered the experimental unit. The model statement included genetic groups (GG) as fixed effect. No GG effects were detected for EBW (P = 0.20), HCW (P =0.44), KPH (P = 0.42), KPH% (P = 0.48), HQP (P = 0.44), CEP (P = 0.42), and CI (P = 0.11). There was difference among the three GG for HCY (50.93%, 49.89%, 49.07% for Murrah, Jafarabadi and Mediterranean, respectively; P < 0.01). The Murrah group showed greater value for RFT (P < 0.01) whereas the others GG did not differ (10.17 mm, 6.86 mm, 5.81 mm, for Murrah, Mediterranean and Jafarabadi, respectively; P > 0.10). In conclusion, the animals from Murrah genetic group presented better carcass characteristics compared to the animals of the genetic groups Jafarabadi and Mediterranean. However, the 3 genetic groups of water buffaloes have great potential for meat production. Supported by FAPESP #2014/05473-7.